If you are like me, then you were saddened to hear about the closing of Ben's Bells CT. It was a beautiful organization that made such an impact here on our community. My daughters and I had so much fun creating in their studio and spreading messages of kindness through kindness coins throughout the years. However this week I learned some exciting news that I could not wait to share with our parent readership: There is a new organization focused on showering people with positivity, empathy, inclusion and respect and it is called: Kind Works Incorporated. Kind Works is a nonprofit organization continuing the impactful work that Ben’s Bells CT volunteers have done for nearly 12 years.
Kind Works will run programs out of Ben’s Bells CT’s former studio space at 32 Stony Hill Road in Bethel, with the same staff and volunteers bringing more than a decade of experience and shared passion for spreading goodwill across the Northeast. The Bethel Studio Hours are Tuesdays - Thursdays 12pm-6pm for retail and volunteering by appointment. Hours are expected to expand after the November 21st Grand Opening.
“This is an amazing group of volunteers whose commitment stands as one of the most powerful and inspiring testaments to the importance of kindness,” said Executive Director Cody Foss. “Kind Works connects people and teaches kindness in a way that many have not experienced.”
Here are some of the programs and services families and community members can take part in at Kind Works:
- Public studio space: Visit during open hours to participate in community art spreading messages of kindness
- Educational Programming: “The Power of Kindness” assembly series; “Learn, connect and experience KINDNESS” project; “Community Kind Night”
- Corporate Programming: “The Power of Extreme Kindness” speaking program and workshops that combine speaking and breakout projects
- Mural Program: Beautiful public art with impactful messages
- Kind Merchandise: Custom pieces made by volunteers for sale to the public
“Kindness is a blend of science and magic; while its teachings are tangible and rooted in science, the outcomes can often be immeasurable,” said Foss. “Observing children light up as they realize the impact of their kindness, or witnessing a coworker share a vulnerable moment in a trusting workshop have the power to change lives. It is these experiences that fuel our ongoing efforts.”
Mark your calendars for some important event dates coming up:
Oct. 1 – Nov. 13: Tiles of Kindness fundraiser
Nov. 7: Handbag Bingo fundraiser
Nov. 13: World Kindness Day fundraiser
Nov. 21: Grand Opening 6:00- 8:00 p.m.
More info on these events can be found on the web site event page here.
Here are some ways you can show support for Kind Works and stay in-the-know about events and happenings at the studio:
- Subscribe to their newsletter on the website.
- Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @kind_Works
- Spread the word! Share programs and merchandise with your schools, sports organizations, clubs, businesses and friends.
- Donate and/or support the fundraisers.
- Join the kindness movement and volunteer at the studio!
About Kind Works Incorporated
Kind Works Incorporated is a Bethel, Connecticut-based nonprofit organization founded and sustained by volunteers who believe in the transformative power of kindness. The organization was created to continue the work that Ben’s Bells CT volunteers did over nearly 12 years and is founded on the belief that fostering a culture in which kindness is not just an act, but a way of life leaves a lasting impact on generations to come. Kind Works offers a volunteer-operated art studio, educational programs and workshops for community groups and corporations, and offers the talents of its volunteers in the creation of public murals. For more information, visit kind-works.org.
